Vishwa Shanthi, a leading Indian dance company, casts 20 dancers in a colorful portrayal of the infinite ways in which Absolute Truth is reflected in all of us, making us different but One.

Vishwa Shanthi Performing Arts, led by artistic director Shreelata Suresh, will present ‘Infinite Facets – an exploration of the Self’ in the classical Indian dance style of Bharatha Natyam on Sunday, February 12, 2017, in two shows at 12:00pm and 4:00pm, at the Center of Performing Arts at Menlo Atherton High School, 555 Middlefield Rd, Atherton, CA 94027.

Vishwa Shanthi Performing Arts is proud to premiere this new Bharatanatyam Ballet at a time when divisions among countries and even people within one country loom larger than they ever have, threatening to disrupt peaceful coexistence. Vishwa Shanthi, which means “universal peace”, through its newest production “Infinite Facets: an exploration of the Self” presents well-researched perspectives from different spiritual traditions in the form of entertaining dance that celebrates the One Truth that is common in all of us.

“As a child I learned to count one…two…three,

Marveling at the infinite beauty of the galaxy,

Reflecting on every diverse facet, I dance joyously,

Sharing the realization, ‘The Self is the same in you and me’.”

Artistic director, Shreelata Suresh, and 20 principal dancers will illustrate through beautiful song, dance and drama how the One Self expands into the multiplicity of the universe – the supreme Male Force and creative Female Energy, the Trinity, the four scriptures, the five elements, and so on. Maya is mankind’s delusion in seeing division instead of understanding the Singular Truth. But through faith, effort and perseverance, true understanding dawns on us that while forms are many, all is One that is Sat-Chit-Ananda or “Eternal Truth”, “Pure Consciousness” and “Supreme Bliss”, and we realize there is Unity in Diversity.This grand production uses the medium of Bharatha Natyam, a 3000+ year old classical dance form of South India to enact different stories. Incorporating traditional music, poetry, facial expressions, drama and pure rhythmic dance, Shreelata and her troupe enthrall the audience’s visual and auditory senses, while providing clear English explanations to explore the fascinating spiritual messages of “Infinite Facets”.

To aid your complete immersion in this Indian experience, the performance venue will also offer tasty Indian food, traditional Indian crafts and jewelry. Proceeds from ticket sales will benefit Yuva Bharati, a Bay Area nonprofit organization that aims to enrich life through performing arts.